Tag Archives: Princess Beatrice

Today we merely share some Friday Fun, it seems like time to revel in a bit of frivolity, and we begin with a quick review of yesterday’s Seersucker Thursday.

J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

The non-partisan celebration of the summery fabric on Capitol Hill is traditionally marked every June. Above we see Senators sporting their stripes, from left to right: Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, Sen. Susan Collins, R-ME, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of KY and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY. Below we have the larger group of Senators and Representatives, temporarily looking like one big happy family (the Mansons).

Bill Clark/Roll Call via AP

We do enjoy this tradition, a bit of lighthearted fun amid the intense goings-on seems like a good idea. (And yes, we do love our seersucker here at the Prepatorium, in season.)

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Next, more Wimbledon news. As mentioned in yesterday’s post, last night was Elton John’s annual White Tie and Tiaras party, always a spot to see some serious party frocks. Below, Anne Hathaway in Prada alongside Chopard exec Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele (Chopard was an event sponsor), on the right we see Elizabeth Hurley in Roberto Cavelli.

Also on hand for the event, actor Matthew Morrison from Glee, and Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford, both wore Dolce & Gabbana.

Several Royals made appearances, including Princess Beatrice, very elegant in Elie Saab, her mother, Sarah Ferguson, in Escada and Princess Eugenie was in Vivienne Westwood.

Wire Image via The Daily Mail

Another Wimbledon-related note, some readers may recall that tennis ace Maria Sharapova has a deal with Tiffany, she wears a pair of their earrings at every Grand Slam event. (Ahem.)

Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

This year at the All England Club Ms. Sharapova is wearing earrings from Tiffany’s Legacy Collection in platinum, they are described by the company as “…drop earrings… feature exquisitely faceted round brilliant diamonds. …”. (Double ‘ahem,’ your correspondent isn’t terribly fond of diamonds before the cocktail hour with the exception of those in one’s engagement and/or wedding ring. Silly Princess.)

“For a few hours on Sunday, Governors Island became something of a Hamptons satellite, dotted with people in Nantucket reds, linen suits, Lilly Pulitzer pinks and sunhats that seemed as wide as a city block.

They came for an exhibition polo match put on with the intention, according to the organizers, of bringing the elite sport down from on high. But the thousands of spectators, who sipped Champagne costumed in high Hamptons style, seemed intent on just the opposite.”

The event draws an interesting crowd. Below left, Andre Balaz and Naomi Watts, on the right we see one of our Anti-Preps, Nicky Hilton.

Below we see designer Keren Craig with Olivia Palermo, on the right, Nacho Figueras.

Mr. Figueras models for Polo Ralph Lauren and also plays for the Black Watch, a team sponsored by PRL.

But even with the free admission and ferry ride, polo populism still seemed a far-off dream. Champagne, at $17 a flute, seemed to be the drink of choice. And though there might have been some who went to Governors Island instead of a Yankees game (the Yankees were playing in California, anyway), most of the pinstripes were on seersucker suits.

Frankly, we think almost any free sporting event is a good thing. But to pretend that this is a sport for everyone and anyone borders on the ludicrous. More from the City Room’s piece:

Mr. Figueras, who is known as Nacho, said the event was intended to “bring polo to the people.”

“For a kid to wake up in the morning” he added, “and say, ‘Dad look, let’s go watch the polo instead of the Yankees game’ – ultimately that would be my dream.”

Mr. Figueras estimated that high-level horses – “we are talking about Formula One horses,” he said – cost up to $250,000.

Considering admission to a Yankees game requires a second mortgage a significant cash outlay, perhaps that isn’t far off the mark. On a more positive note, Ms. Karan’s party was also a fundraiser for Hope Help and Rebuild Haiti.

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A sporting event on the far side of the pond also drew attention this weekend. Many in the royal family turned out to watch the Queen’s horse race in the Epsom Derby. The Queen was in hot pink, definitely today’s Pretty in Pink.

Much of the buzz surrounded an appearance by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate.

The Mirror

The couple looked relaxed and happy for their first public outing since their wedding. Princess Eugenie was in black and white polka dots, Princess Beatrice also looked lovely in a floral print.

It seemed that everyone had a good time, despite the Queen’s horse throwing a shoe and finishing third.

WENN

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We have several tidbits about an item many of us couldn’t live without, from a wardrobe perspective, the polo shirt. Today’s Valet carries a good backgrounder on the shirt’s origins, including how it came by its name after René Lacoste decided to create tennis shirts that would be more practical and comfortable:

“…Lacoste set out to make a more comfortable, short-sleeve style. He was inspired by Anglo-Indian polo players, who managed to play in extreme heat and bright sun thanks to their lightweight pique cotton jerseys.”

The story is part of Valet’s “Anatomy of a Classic” series, examining iconic items found in a gentleman’s wardrobe. Today’s post includes a look at some of the logos seen on the shirts.

Via Valet

Many not as familiar with the tennis champion might find some of Mr. Lacoste’s other creations to be of interest:

Rene Lacoste was never much for rules. He often thought he knew better and oftentimes, he did. A world-class tennis star by the time he was 20, he would later go on to revolutionize the game with such inventions as the ball machine and the steel racket, but it was his innovation while he was still playing that had the largest impact on the world. And it’s the reason why you know of him today—the polo shirt.

Fond as we are of this brand, we can only say that $455 for a polo shirt borders on lunacy. Really. I’m sure they are done in a rich, lush cotton with a fabulous hand and incredible drape, but really. To quote Nancy Reagan, just say no. Harrumph.

The designer will introduce a limited edition collection with Target, called Josie Natori for Target, that will be a tightly focused group of bras, panties, sleepwear, loungewear, camis and chemises. The Natori line represents Target’s first limited edition foray into lingerie and loungewear.

The line will launch in October, just in time for Christmas, with a second collection scheduled to arrive in January, perfect for marketing to Valentine’s Day shoppers.

We can’t simply revel in fun and frivolity while ignoring the other news of the day.

Dusty Compton/The Tuscaloosa News/AP

Having personal experience with tornadoes when covering news, we can only say that written descriptions are inadequate.

International Business Times/AP Photo

Above, images from Tuscaloosa last night.

The atmosphere after a tornadic event is beyond explanation, well beyond weird or eerie or any other term I can think of. The best I can say is it is quiet. There is an odd silence and the air itself feels funny. Below, north of Centreville, Alabama last night.

Tony Laubach/TornadoesKick.com

People come slowly out of whatever shelter remains, asking “Is it gone? Is it over?”

Gary Cosby, Jr./The Decatur Daily/AP

A few will come out running, racing to find those they love.

Bernard Troncale/Birmingham News/AP

Or those they don’t know at all.

Jeff Roberts/AP Photo/Birmingham News

When the event comes at night one is even more unsteady, there is no sound, no light, no nothing. Only the sound of generators, once they kick in, for those that have them.

Jeff Roberts/Birmingham News/AP

Daylight brings painful realities.

Jeff Roberts/Birmingham News/AP

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this disaster.

Dave Martin/AP Photo

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We move on to events across the pond, where it is has been a day filled with last-minute rehearsals, comings and goings, smiles and glad-handing, and this evening’s gala for the out-of-town royals.

The day started with one more walk-through at Westminster Abbey; Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were on hand but Prince William did not participate.

Enigma via The Daily Mail

Young attendants took part in the rehearsal as well, below we see 8-year-old Tom Pettifer, one of the page boys, and Lady Louise Windsor, aged 7, she is the daughter of The Earl and Countess of Wessex (aka Prince Edward and his wife Sophie).

Roland Hoskins/The Daily Mail

We do know the young ladies will be wearing dresses by Nicki Macfarlane, below we see designs from the designer’s 2010/2011 collections. (Be advised if thinking about checking this site, it seems to be melting down from the increased traffic.)

Nicki MacFarlane Courtesy Image

Ms. Macfarlane has done bespoke dresses for some time, only recently did she start offering RTW (ready to wear) designs. Below, another look at Young Master Pettifer and Miss Windsor.

Eddie Mulholland/The Telegraph

We see Pippa Middleton below, holding the hand of Grace van Cutsem, on the right William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton heads into the rehearsal.

Roland Hoskins

We don’t know if the third young bridesmaid, Eliza Lopes, was at this morning’s run-through or not. We show her below in images from an earlier post on the wedding party.

Via The Daily Mail

In addition to hearing about the wedding party’s attire, we are learning what some of the more notable guests will be wearing. Prince Harry’s guest, Chelsy Davy, will be in two dresses by Alberta Ferretti, for the wedding she will wear aqua with a matching jacket, and for tomorrow night’s party at the palace, a midnight blue one-shouldered design.

Courtesy Alberta Ferretti

The Duchess of Cornwall will wear a creation by Anna Valentine, the designer of the dress for her marriage to Prince Charles.

Getty Images

The Duchess was out and about this afternoon, greeting those camped out on the mall.

Getty Images

Throughout the day the bride, her family and others involved in tomorrow’s events have been smiling, looking quite relaxed.

WENN.com

John Nguyen

This evening the family is safely ensconced at their hotel, below the Middleton ladies arrive at the Goring, left to right, Pippa, Carole, and Kate.

Chris Eads/Reuters

Perhaps one of the most important items brought into the hotel today:

Rex Features via The Telegraph

A sewing machine. Brilliant.

Oh, the groom? He did a walkabout this evening, greeting those gathered on the processional route.

AP Television News

While the Middletons are settled in at The Goring, others are at the Mandarin Oriental for tonight’s big dinner. The Queen was in periwinkle blue, on the right we see Prince Charles and Camilla.

Prince Edward and Sophie, she looked lovely in red.

Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty

We have a slight concern about the frock Princess Beatrice selected, parts of it look awfully… shiny. Perhaps this is merely an unfortunate camera angle.

Luke MacGregor/Reuters

Others at the gala, Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, on the right we see Prince Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

Getty Images

A favorite with the fashion crowd, Princess Letizia is seen in an elegant grey sleeveless gown, husband Prince Felipe is seen on the left, Queen Sofia is on the right.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Another look at Princess Letizia’s gown, simply stunning.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

We leave you with two things today, the first, another photo from the couple’s shoot with Mario Testino.

“Crew started life way back in 1993 when Alistair Parker-Swift found himself running a successful windsurfing company in Devon during the summer, and spending his winters in France as part of England’s ski team.

The brand’s roots are thoroughly planted in the UK coastline, celebrating heritage and history with classic designs.”

To say I am fond of the Gerty Plimsolls (sneakers) would be the understatement of the decade.

Crew Clothing UK

The company offers a jacket favored by those inspired by the so-called Gossip Girl look, theirs is the Rowley Blazer.

Crew Clothing Company

But anyone seeking upscale dresses and business suits will have to look elsewhere, Crew’s designs are targeted to a casual, outdoor lifestyle. The company also carries a full range of menswear.

Crew Clothing Company

The Consort is more-than-fond of his sweatshirts; on a frequent basis rare occasions yours truly has swiped borrowed one or two.

Crew Clothing Company

These look like they have a high snuggle factor, we like that.🙂

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We have a few quick updates, beginning with word that über-prep Gwyneth Paltrow is the new brand ambassador for Coach. The job comes at a propitious time, the company is planning a significant media blitz starting in September, they are celebrating the firm’s 70th Anniversary. Women’s Wear Daily broke the story:

““I grew up in New York City and I’ve always thought of Coach as the quintessential New York brand,” Paltrow said. “I’ll never forget getting my first Coach bag.”

If looking for the perfect thank you gift after a week on your friend’s boat, perhaps the Custom Nautical Scarf will fit the bill, these are handpainted to order, you can select up to 20 flags (letters).

Sadly, we can waste while away more time looking at nautically inclined treasures than we care to admit.

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It’s no secret that we enjoy gazing at chapeaux here at The Prepatorium and Easter Sunday presents prime viewing opportunities; the Royals are top-notch in this department.

Pool Photo by Oli Scarff/AP

From left to right: Princess Eugenie, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice, Prince Andrew, Tim Lawrence, the Duke of York, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Princess Ann. Below, a better view of the styles worn by Princess Beatrice (L) and Princess Eugenie (R).

Getty Images / Reuters

Both young ladies are sure to be all dolled up come Friday.

Speaking of Friday, the media has descended en masse for the continuing overkill coverage; we are reveling in every minute, although our schedule has kept those minutes to a minimum. Below, a seaman at HMS Collingwood naval base is photographed; the Royal Navy and Royal Marines will be part of the 1,000+ military personnel lining the route from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

At times like this one is forced to take photos of other people taking photos. (We are not being scornful, having directed many others to do the same during our years in the vast wasteland business.)

Getty Images

We’ve not had time to watch much coverage on television, but presume there have been many wide shots of the media village and other facilities created for the wedding. The work put into building adequate structures and technical capabilities has been immense.

“Because every network will be sharing the same camera feeds of the royal wedding on Friday morning, they have competed fiercely to sign up on-air talent in an attempt to make their hours and hours (and hours) of coverage stand out.”

ABC’s biggest booking was probably Ms. Nicholl, whose book “William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls” was published a week before the wedding date was announced.

ABC’s other contributors will include Tina Brown, the Newsweek and Daily Beast editor; one of Princess Diana’s bridesmaids, India Hicks; and a former press secretary for Prince William, Colleen Harris.

Mr. Morgan, who is British, said what he wants out of his guests on “Piers Morgan Tonight,” his 9 p.m. show on CNN, are personal stories and anecdotes. He said he would be recalling a private lunch he had with Princess Diana and Prince William when the prince was 13 years old.

We sympathize with anyone covering the event, working with pool feeds creates daunting challenges in terms of distinguishing yourself from competitors. Perhaps the best way a network might differentiate itself from the pack would be to invoke a “less is more” philosophy, minimizing the amount of chatter, allowing the pictures and natural sound to tell a good part of the story.

The Guardian also has a splendid article, talking about the plethora of “royal experts” and some of the alleged “inside information” being bandied about, including one outrageous rumor that Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, would be speaking at this wedding (the ‘Katie’ mentioned below references Ms. Nicholl):

“And so to Katie’s most recent dispatch, which goes big on the fact that “William’s uncle, Charles Spencer … will have no formal role” in the wedding service – though he “had been expected to deliver an address”. Had been expected by whom, you might wonder? Meth addicts? People without access to media since 1986?”

Below, in preparation of the event an Irish Guardsman is measured last week for his uniform. Guards soldiers just back from Afghanistan are preparing for ceremonial duties, Prince William is the Colonel of the Irish Guards.

Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images

Regardless of who is doing the commentary, one must admit no one does pomp and pageantry better than our friends across the sea.

Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty

Anyone tasked with working on preparations will tell you it is all in the details.

Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty

Tilly was intrigued by Conmael, an Irish Wolfhound and mascot for the unit.

Peter MacDiarmid/Getty Images

We leave you with a few images from the last royal wedding receiving this kind of attention.

The competition pitted the Black Watch (yes, the team Polo Ralph Lauren sponsors) against the Prince’s Black Rock team. Below we see Black Watch team captain Nacho Figueras at the New York Stock Exchange last week to help promote the event. (You are not hallucinating, that is a horse seen in the background.)

Ben Hider/Getty

If Mr. Figueras looks familiar, it is likely a result of his work for PRL products, including the Double Black fragrance collection.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

The athlete describes how he relates to varying PRL fragrances in an interview today with AOL’s StyleList.

“The Polo Black guy is suit-and-tie, in the city, going to the theater, a museum; the side of me that goes to the Hamptons and to the beach with the kids is the Polo Blue side; and the Polo Green is the man with the horses and the farm.

Below we see Mr. Figueras and his family at Sunday’s function, the 3rd Annual Veuve Clicquot match.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

The event is a fundraiser for one of the Prince’s charities, the American arm of Sentebale, an organization the Prince founded to help AIDs-stricken children in Lesotho.

In this photo one can see HRH Prince Harry (4th from L) and Nacho Figueras (2nd from R) as they pose with teammates after the event.

Stephen Lovekin/Pool/Getty Images

The Prince wasn’t the only royal taking part, HRH Princess Beatrice was also at the match.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Of course the activities are not limited to Sunday’s play, there are other functions one must consider, the Princess also attended Saturday’s Veuve Clicquot reception at Greenwich CC. Again, she is with Mr. Clark.

Chris Jackson/Getty

If you missed this weekend’s events, no cause to fret, they do play July 24-August 8 at the Bridgehampton Polo Club; click here to see the schedule for those matches.

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Also today, we know a few readers are excited about the July return of Mad Men; something we are totally gaga over occasionally remember if others bring up the topic. (Ahem.) We thought some might enjoy seeing images from this weekend’s Omega Watches launch of its re-designed Constellation line, as Don Draper actor Jon Hamm took part in the celebration.

Courtesy Photo

Also at the party, Adrien Brody, Twilight’s Anna Kendrick and Zhang Ziyi; below we see Ms. Ziyi and Mr. Hamm.

Courtesy Photo

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Another relaunch to share, good news for fans of the much-missed Domino magazine: the newly re-done Brides.com site will feature the entire Domino archive.

Brides.com via ShelterPop

Many articles are already up on Brides.com. Since saying goodbye to Domino 16 months ago we have become very attached to Lonny, an outstanding online shelter publication, but we are happy to learn of this additional resource’s availability.

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We have advance warnings reminders about Lilly Pulitzer goods at two different ‘members only’ discount sites. RueLala will be offering merchandise from the Lilly Pulitzer for Garnet Hill collection beginning at 11am tomorrow (Tuesday, 6/29). Should you need an invitation, simply click here.

Courtesy Garnet Hill via RueLala

One Kings Lane will be offering Lilly merchandise as well, starting at 11am EDT; if seeking an invitation to that site, click here.

The totes are nylon with braided handles and they have a clear vinyl pouch for one’s e-reader, priced at $69.95. These are available now online and at Barnes & Noble stores. Below we show the not-yet-released Nook cases by Lilly.

Courtesy Barnes & Noble via Shopping Blog

These will be available August 5, or they may be reserved here starting July 12; the cases run $49.95 and $59.95.

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We cannot leave without sharing a bit about our ever-so-wonderful-evening with one of our favorite partners, Kiel James Patrick. Kiel and Sarah couldn’t have been nicer hosts Friday evening, arranging a fabulous dinner in the Massachusetts Whaling District. Some of the lovely setting can be seen in this photo.

Courtesy Kiel James Patrick

﻿Umm, that cocktail in the picture? We’ve nary a clue how it got there. It must be an arm from someone else’s table, yes, that must be what happened. (Heh-heh-heh.) We extend our thanks to both Sarah and Kiel for an absolutely delightful evening, they are bright, charming and gifted young people.

The company’s off-site meeting was loads of fun very intense, and The Consort is sporting a sunburn new skills were learned at the seminar. However, it was also time-consuming, so we’ve many little tidbits and lots of photos today, clearly a case of style over substance, with our apologies. We begin with a quick reminder about the Kiel James Patrick giveaway over at Beach Bum and Baby.

Click here to scoot over to the Giveaway, entries close at midnight tonight (Friday, 6.18.2010).

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We also have some final images from Royal Ascot, below we see Britain’s Princesses Anne and Beatrice arriving at Ladies Day yesterday.

Luke MacGregor

Next, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie appear to be pondering their race cards (L), on the right, Joan Collins was also at Ladies Day.

We loved these two images of Princess Eugenie.

Day Three at Ascot also featured Charlie Watts (the Rolling Stones) looking dapper, and even more interesting accessories.

We leave the topic with two related images, both sights we should have expected but failed to foresee: the Vuvuzela hat at Ascot, and on the right, Prince William with one of the horns, seen during his visit to a charity in Botswana he supports.

Indeed.

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Next, a reminder for those who like to be the first person in the palace with the new things: Burberry Beauty debuts this weekend.

Davies & Starr via NY Times T Magazine blog

The new cosmetics collection launches at Burberry and also at Nordstrom tomorrow. Look for some stunning advertising images shot by Mario Testino.

Courtesy Images via T Magazine

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Also on the calendar this weekend, what many are calling “the royal wedding of the year,” the marriage of Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling.